Syosset High School seniors Gary Han and Yeewan Melody Chen have each received a YoungArts Award as part of the 2026 YoungArts Competition, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for emerging artists. The two are among just 800 high school artists nationwide selected from more than 11,000 applicants—placing them in the top 7% of young artists in the country.

Gary Han, a gifted violist, is being recognized as one of the nation’s most accomplished young performing artists for the second consecutive year. Yeewan Melody Chen received recognition for her exceptional creativity and technical skill in design.

The YoungArts Award celebrates student work that demonstrates outstanding technique, artistry, and depth of thought or performance. Winners are selected through a highly competitive application process reviewed by panels of respected, discipline-specific artists. As award recipients, Gary and Melody join a distinguished national community of young artists and gain access to ongoing creative and professional development opportunities to support their continued artistic growth.

Congratulations to Gary and Melody on this outstanding achievement.